Pediatric orthotics for kids

Pediatric orthotics for kids

Pediatric orthotics are custom-moulded insoles inserted in a child’s shoes to help guide the feet during every stage of development and promote optimal posture. Unlike in adults, children’s feet are constantly evolving, making it possible to affect their structures in the various stages of growth, correcting an issue rather than solely providing support.

The feet of children as young as 3 years old are sufficiently developed to benefit from orthotics. In fact, the development of the feet’s structures, such as bones, ligaments and muscles, will vary depending on the forces applied. If misaligned, these structures will continue to grow in this misalignment. The earlier orthotics are worn, the greater their effect will be on a patient’s alignment.

For who?

Orthotics can be beneficial to any child presenting one of the following:

The prescription and manufacturing of the ideal pediatric orthotic require a comprehensive pediatric biomechanical exam and a thorough anamnesis. In fact, the prescribed orthotic will vary widely from one child to the next and must take into account the following factors:

The patient’s age and weight

The source of the biomechanical problem (e.g. feet, knees, hips)

The positioning of the feet

The activities practiced by the child

The child’s medical and family history

All these factors have an impact on the choice of materials, degree of correction, positioning of the foot on top of the orthotic, flexibility and size of the orthotic, etc. Finally, to ensure the orthotics are the most appropriate given the child’s issues, his feet must be moulded with special care to ensure they are placed in the perfect axis.

At Cliniques Propulsion, we use a one-of-a-kind technology to validate the efficiency of orthotics by observing their impact directly in the person’s shoes. Pressure sensors are integrated to thin soles that allow us to see how the feet respond to the orthotics and to make meticulous adjustments when needed. (Find out more…)https://www.podimedic.com/en/solutions-and-treatments/biomechanical-examinations/computerized-analysis-of-plantar-pressures/

Depending on the case, follow-up appointments are booked every 6 to 12 months to validate the results obtained thanks to the corrective orthotics. More importantly, these appointments serve to ensure that the orthotics continue to be appropriate in light of the feet’s development, as adjustments are sometimes necessary to adjust the orthotics in keeping with these changes.

A pair of pediatric orthotics can usually be used for two shoe sizes, so for a period of one to two years. Depending on how the condition progresses and at what age treatment began, some children can stop wearing their orthotics after a few years. In other cases, orthotics are required until the child stops growing. The earlier the issue is addressed, the better the chances for correction. It’s important to mention that certain problems will require the use of orthotics even in adulthood.

Myth!

“I will have to buy special shoes for my child’s orthotics!”

The majority of custom orthotics are made to be worn in ordinary children’s shoes. However, your podiatrist can tell you more about the characteristics to look for in a shoe in order to optimize the effect of the prescribed orthotics.

“My child will find the orthotics uncomfortable and won’t want to wear them!”

On the contrary, children adapt much more quickly and more easily to orthotics than adults. In general, they wear them without issue on the very first day!